Automatic extrusion handling equipment



Aug. 23, 1966 R. N. ANDERSON 3,

AUTOMATIC EXTRUSION HANDLING EQUIPMENT Original Filed Sept. 5. 1961 5Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

R/QI /v. AMWIAJO/I Aug. 23, 1966 R. N. ANDERSON AUTOMATIC EXTRUSIONHANDLING EQUIPMENT 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Sept. 5. 1961 Aug.23, 1966 R. N. ANDERSON 3,267,711

AUTOMATIC EXTRUSION HANDLING EQUIPMENT Original Filed Sept. 5. 1961 5Sheets-Sheet 5 i f AA'Kf ATTO Aug. 23, 1966 R. N. ANDERSON 3,

AUTOMATIC EXTRUSION HANDLING EQUIPMENT Original Filed Sept. 5. 1961 5Sheets-Sheet 4 3, 1966 R. N. ANDERSON 3,267,711

AUTOMATIC EXTRUSION HANDLING EQUIPMENT Original Filed Sept. 5. 1961 5Sheets-Sheet 5 a. a a 256 23 TEL-; '7 IN VEN TOR.

United States Patent 3,267,711 AUTOMATIC EXTRUSION HANDLING EQUIPMENTRichard N. Anderson, Rome, Ga., assignor to V. E. An-

derson Mfg. C0,, Owensboro, Ky., a corporation of Kentucky Originalapplication Sept. 5, 1961, Ser. No. 136,080, now Patent No. 3,157,268,dated Nov. 17, 1964. Divided and this application Apr. 1, 1963, Ser. No.269,404

14 Claims. (Cl. 72-254) The invention relates to automatic extrusionhandling equipment and refers more specifically to apparatus fortransferring extrusions from an extrusion press over a runout table andcooling rack to an extrusion stretcher and for transferring theextrusions from the stretcher onto a saw conveyor into position forsawing the extrusions into predetermined lengths and electric controlstherefor for operating the apparatus in either manual or automaticmodes.

The application is a divisional application of Serial No. 136,080, filedSeptember 5, 1961, now Patent No. 3,157,268.

In the past, the handling of extrusions between an extrusion press and asaw for cutting the extrusions to required lengths has been accomplishedthrough the use of a usual crew of seven to nine workmen. In such manualhandling of extrusions a great deal of scrap is produced due to scarringand twisting particularly of the hot extrusions. In addition, with thehigh cost of labor the manual handling of extrusions adds greatly to theexpense thereof.

Moreover, the quality of the extrusions produced with manual handlingmay vary considerably due to the human factor in the runout of the hotextrusions. Thus the pressure applied to the extrusions will vary withthe individual runout men and may differ with the same runout mandepending on his fatigue condition.

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provideimproved automatic extrusion handling equipment.

Another object is to provide equipment for automatically transferringextrusions between an extrusion press and a saw comprising a runouttable, a cooling rack positioned adjacent the stretching apparatus fortransferring transferring the extrusions between the runout table andcooling rack, walking beam apparatus for transferring the extrusions onthe cooling rack away from the runout table, an extrusion stretcher forstretching the extrusions from the walking beam apparatus, a transverseconveyor positioned adjacent the stretching apparatus for transferringthe stretched extrusions to a saw conveyor, a saw conveyor for advancingthe extrusions intermittently into position to be sawed inopredetermined lengths, a saw for sawing the extrusions on said sawconveyor into the predetermined lengths and electric controls forautomatically sequencing the movement of the equipment.

Another object is to provide equipment for transferring extrusionsbetween an extrusion stretcher and a saw comprising a transverseconveyor for automatically loading extrusions on a saw conveyor, a sawconveyor for advancing extrusions intermittently into positions to besawed into predetermined lengths and electric controls for automaticallysequencing the operation of the saw conveyor.

Another object is to provide automatic extrusion transferring equipmentas set forth above wherein the controls include means for sensing theend of an extrusion extruded onto the runout table.

Another object is to provide automatic extrusion handling equipment asset forth above wherein the controls include means for preventing therunout conveyor from stopping in other than predetermined positions withrespect to the means for transferring the extrtusions from the runoutconveyor to the cooling rack.

Another object is to provide automatic extrusion handling equipment asset forth above wherein the controls include means for sensing therelative position between the runout conveyor and means for transferringthe extrusions and for preventing operation of the means fortransferring extrusions with the runout conveyor in other than apredetermined position in relation to the means for transferringextrusions.

Another object is to provide extrusion handling equipment as set forthabove wherein the controls include means for stopping the Walking beamapparatus only in a down position and for actuating the walking beamapparatus only when the means for transferring extrusions is not inposition over the conveyor and an extrusion is not prosent at thestretcher side of the cooling rack.

Another object is to provide extrusion handling equipment as set forthabove wherein the controls include means for preventing feeding of asecond group of extrusions on the saw conveyor to the saw after thesensing of the end of a first group of extrusions on the saw conveyoruntil the first group of extrusions are removed therefrom.

Another object is to provide extrusion handling apparatus as set forthabove wherein the controls include means for preventing operation of thesaw until extrusions are positioned firmly against the end of the sawconveyor.

Another object is to provide automatic extrusion handling equipment asset forth above wherein the transverse conveyor comprises a pair ofelongated, transversely spaced apart rods positioned at one side of thesaw conveyor having aligned belt pulleys thereon, endless beltsextending between the rods mounted on the belt pulleys and means forrotating one of the rods.

Another object is to provide material handling apparatus as set forthabove wherein the saw conveyor comprises a plurality of parallel,rotatably mounted spaced apart rollers extending transversely of theconveyor, an endless belt of high friction material positioned centrallyof the conveyor, means for driving the endless belt and structure forselectively raising extrusions on the saw conveyor off of the endlessbelt.

Another object is to provide improved automatic extrusion handlingequipment which is simple in construction, economical to manufacture andefficient in use.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent as thedescription proceeds, especially when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, illustrating a preferred embodiment of theinvention wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective diagrammati illustration of a section of theautomatic extrusion handling equipment of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a detail of an extrusion contacting carbon block of one ofthe kickover arms of the automatic extrusion handling equipmentillustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a broken longitudinal elevation of the runout table of theautomatic extrusion handling equip ment illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a broken top view of the runout table of the automaticextrusion handling equipment illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged transverse section of the runout conveyorportion of the runout table of the automatic extrusion handlingequipment shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatic perspective illustration of the automaticextrusion handling equipment of the invention particularly illustratingthe positioning of the sensing units of the electric control circuit.

FIGURE 7 is a schematic diagram of the electric control circuit of theautomatic extrusion handling equipment illustrated in FIGURES 1-6.

With particular reference to the drawings, one embodiment of the preesntinvention will now be disclosed.

As best shown in FIGURES l and 6, the automatic extrusion handlingequipment comprises the runout table including an endless conveyor forreceiving extrusions from the extrusion press 12, cooling rack 14 forreceiving extrusions from the runout table it), walking beam apparatus16 associated with the cooling rack I4 for transferring extrusionsdeposited thereon from a position adjacent the runout table lit to aposition adjacent the extrusion stretcher I8, and the kickover apparatus2i for transferring extrusions from the runout table 16 to the coolingrack 14. The transverse conveyor 22 for transferring extrusions from theextrusion stretcher 18 to saw conveyor 24, and the saw conveyor 24 bywhich the extrusions are positioned for cutting by saw 26 are alsoincluded in the automatic extrusion handling equipment of the invention.Extrusion stretcher 18 is provided between the cooling rack 14 andtransverse conveyor 22 to stretch and thus straighten warped and bentextrusions and to work harden the extrusions by elongation thereof.

The automatic extrusion handling equipment also includes the sensingphotoelectric cells and microswitches illustrated in position on theequipment in FIGURE 6 and the associated electric control circuit 23 ofFIGURE 7. The electric control circuit 23 of FIGURE 7 is operable tocontrol the automatic transfer of extrusions from extrusion press 12 tothe extrusion stretcher 18 and from the stretcher 18 into position forcutting by saw 26.

More specifically, the runout table it as best shown in FIGURES 3-5comprises a structural frame 27 including vertical supports 28, upperand lower longitudinal braces 30 and 32 respectively, and transversebraces 34 supported at the ends from vertical supports 28 by plates 36.The runout table it) further includes the runout conveyor 38 which ismounted on sprockets 48 positioned at opposite ends of the conveyor.Sprockets 4a are driven by a motor 42 positioned at one end of theconveyor.

Runout conveyor 38 includes matching endless chains 44 at each sidethereof as shown best in FIGURE 5 which are in driven engagement withsprockets 44 At spaced intervals along the chains 44 channel members 45extending transversely of the runout conveyor 38 are secured to 46 andbracket 56 which bracket is secured to one side of a link of the chain44. The pin 54 is secured in position by a clip 53 fitting within theannular recess 60 on the end, thereof. Chain is further secured to thechannel 46 by means of the bracket 62 secured to the opposite side ofthe same link of the chain 44 as the bracket 56 which bracket 62 isinserted within an opening 63 provided by a U-shaped bar 64 secured tothe channel 46. Thus in operation the carbon. block 50, channels 46 andchains 44 are maintained in more secure connection despite substantialvibration thereof as compared with the previously used boltedconnections which required much maintenance due to loosening throughvibration of runout conveyor 38.

As indicated best in FIGURE 5, the chains 44 are supported on the top ofthe conveyor belt 38 by means of the channels 66 secured to the top ofthe braces 30. Closing panels 63 are also provided extending between thelongitudinal braces 36 to prevent the end of an extrusion from possiblycontacting the transverse brace 34 and halting the runout of theextrusion. Flashing 7t and at longitudinally extending angles 7 2 and 74are further provided on the runout table It) to close the channel inwhich the runout conveyor 38 moves on top of the table.

As best shown in FIGURE 5, the ends of the horizontal beams 76 of thecooling rack 14, may be abutted against the longitudinally extendingangle 72 of the runout table.

The bottom of the runout conveyor 38 is supported at the sides thereofby the longitudinally extending braces 32 which extend into notches 34cut in the ends of the channels 46. Thus both the top and bottom of therunout conveyor 38 is prevented from sagging in operation.

The kickover ar'rn apparatus of the invention which is operable totransfer extrusions from the runout table it) to the cooling rack 14 isbest shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. The kickover arm apparatus 20 comprisesthe kickover arms 78 including the rotatable vertical shaft 81' thehorizontally extending arm 82 and the extrusion contacting carbon block84. As shown in FIGURE 2 the extrusion contacting carbon block 34 ismounted on hinge 86 whereby the carbon block 84- is permitted to pivotin only one direction.

Thus, in operation it is essential that the runout conveyor be stoppedwithin a predetermined safe zone to prevent the carbon blocks 84 fromengaging the upstanding channel portions 48 of the runout conveyorduring transfer of extrusions from the runout table It to the coolingrack 1 If during the transfer of the extrusions from the runout tableit) to the cooling rack 14 a carbon block 34 of one of the kickover armapparatus 2% gets in front of an extrusion due to stopping of theextrusion a short distance from the carbon block and bending of the endof the extrusion toward the carbon block, the carbon block will pivotinto the dotted line position shown in FIGURE 2 to prevent dragging ofthe extrusion back onto the runout conveyor on reverse movement of thekickover arm apparatus.

The kickover arm apparatus 20 of the invention further includes motor 83drivingly engaged with shaft 90 by drive means 92 which shaft 90 isrotatably mounted in bearings 94 secured to vertical structural members96 of the runout table frame 27. The shaft 9% is coupled to the lowerend of the shafts 3i by means of bevel gears 98 so that on actuation ofmotor 38 the shaft 91 is caused to rotate and will in turn thereforerotate shaft 80 to swing the horizontal arms 82 of the kickover arms 78and the carbon blocks E4 secured thereto in an arcuate path outward overthe runout conveyor 38 or back again to the position shown in FEGURE 1depending on the direction of rotation of motor 88. During outwardswinging movement of the kickover arm apparatus 25 any extrusion on therunout conveyor 38 will be pushed from the conveyor 38 onto the coolingrack 14.

Cooling rack 14 as best shown in FIGURE 1 includes the vertical supports1% and the horizontal beam, channel members 76 supported thereon inwhich carbon blocks 104 are secured along which extrusions are moved bythe stepping beam appartatus 16. The cooling rack 14 is provided withswinging cross arms 28 attached to supports 108 and beams 76 at the sideof the cooling rack opposite the runout table it} which are secured byhinges 1% to the structural supports 108 as shown best in FIGURE 1. Theswinging cross arms 28 extend over the stretcher beam 119 between thecooling rack 14 and the transverse conveyor 22. Thus an operator inmoving the rear clamping head (not shown) of the extrusion stretcher 18along the stretcher beam 110 so that the stretcher 18 may accommodateditferent lengths of extrusion may move the rear clamping head of thestretcher toward or away from the front clamping head 112 without theprevious necessity of removing sliding extensions of horizontal beams 76and replacing the same.

Walking beam appartus 16 as shown best in FIGURE 1 includes thehorizontal channel members 114 extending parallel to and positionedbetween the horizontal beams 76 of the cooling rack 14 The horizontalchannels 11%.

are supported by vertically extending channels 116 secured tocylindrical bearing sleeves 118. Mounted within the cylindrical bearingsleeves 118 is a cylinder 120 cccentrically secured to shaft 122 forrotation therewith. Shaft 122 is supported by bearing blocks 124 securedto the vertical members 100 of the cooling rack 14. Shafts 124 arerotated by motor means 126 through drive means 128 best shown in FIGURE1.

In operation as the shafts 122 are rotated the eccentric cylinders 120cause the vertical channels 116 and the walking beams 114 to traverse acircular path wherein the tops of the carbon blocks 115 secured tochannel members 114 are above the tops of the carbon blocks 104 securedto horizontal beams 76 during half of the circular movement thereofwherein the members 114 are moving away from the runout table. Thus thewalking beams 114 intermittently engage extrusions resting on thecooling rack 14 to advance them from the runout table side of thecooling rack 14 to the transverse conveyor side thereof.

Extrusion stretcher 18, as shown best in FIGURE 6, is positioned beneaththe swinging cross arms 28 and between the cooling rack 14 and thetransverse conveyor 22. Extrusion stretchers such as 18 are known in theart and will not therefore be considered in detail at this time. Brieflythe stretcher 18 includes a pair of similar clamping heads, one of whichis shown in FIGURE 6, secured to opposite ends of a stretcher beam 110.Stretcher beam 110 is provided to maintain the front clamping head 112and a similar rear clamping head (not shown) in a predetermined spacedapart relation during application of substantial tension forces to anextrusion secured in the clamping heads The tension forces are providedon extrusions secured in clamping heads at opposite ends of thestretcher beam 110 by convenient means, such as the fluid actuatedcylinder 134 shown positioned on the stretcher beam 110 and operable inconjunction with front clamping head 112. The rear head is movablelongitudinally of stretcher beam 110 to accommodate different lengths ofextrusions to be stretched. Stretching of the extrusions removesirregularities such as twists and warping of the extrusions formed asthey are produced by press 12 and work hardens the metal extrusionsthrough elongation thereof.

After the extrusions have been stretched by extrusion stretcher 18 theyare positioned on the transverse conveyor 22 for movement thereby to thesaw conveyor 24. Transverse conveyor 22 comprises a plurality ofindividual parallel spaced apart conveyor belts 136 driven by motor 138through drive belt 139 and a common drive shaft 140. The individual endsprockets 142 of the transverse conveyor belts 136 are rigidly securedto the drive shaft 140 for rotation therewith. End sprockets 144 ofconveyor belts 136 are mounted on common shaft 145 for rotation. Theupper portion of conveyor belts 136 are supported centrally bystructural members 147 as shown best in FIGURE 1. Thus on energizationof motor 138 the transverse conveyor 22 transfers extrusions passedthereto from the stretcher 13 to the saw conveyor 24.

Saw conveyor 24 comprises a plurality of rollers 146 secured at oppositeends to the conveyor frame 150. The saw conveyor 24 also includes theendless belt 152 positioned centrally thereof adapted to frictionallyengage extrusions on the rollers 146 when the bar 154 is in a downposition. On movement of the bar 154 into the up position extrusionsresting on rollers 146 will be moved out of engagement with the endlessbelt 152 whereby movement of the extrusions axially of the conveyor 24will be stopped.

An adjustable stop 156 is provided on the saw end 157 of the sawconveyor 24 whereby the extrusions are measured to the correct lengthbefore being cut by saw 26 on movement of the extrusions into engagementtherewith.

Saw 26 moves transversely of the saw conveyor 24. Saw 26 is controlledby means of a separate switch .158 which when closed will cause the saw26 to move through a complete cutting cycle at a desired speed. Suchsaws are known in the art and will therefore not be considered in detailherein.

As previously indicated the automatic extrusion handling equipment ofthe invention also includes a plurality of sensing elements for sensingthe position of extrusions handled thereby and the position of therunout conveyor. The sensing elements are shown in their relation to theother elements of the extrusion handling equipment of the invention inFIGURE 6.

The sensing elements include a pair of photoelectric cells 160a and160i) and an energizing light 159 positioned in the extrusion path ofthe extrusion press 12 at the end 162 of runout conveyor 38. Thephotoelectric cells 160a and 1601) are operable to sense the end of anextrusion from the press 12 and to sense twists, bends and otherirregularities therein anywhere along the length thereof. Thephotoelectric cells 160a and 16011 are positioned in vertical alignment,are connected in series and are operable to actuate contacts 1600 ofphotoelectric relay 160 in control circuit 23 shown in FIGURE 7 onlywhen both are energized. Thus the provision of a pair of photoelectriccells 1613a and 16% in series serves to prevent a spurious indicationthat no extrusion extends between the press 12 and runout table 10 whichmight otherwise occur due to warping and twisting of extrusions as willbecome more apparent in the subsequent consideration of control circuit23.

Photoelectric cell 164a and energizing light 166 therefor are positionedbeneath the runout conveyor 38 and are diagonally related thereto. Inoperation the photoelectric cell 164a is energized by light 166 for onlya predetermined time during the passing thereby of each individualsection of conveyor 38 between channel members 46 due to shielding ofthe photoelectric cell 164a at other times. Only when the photoelectriccell 164a is energized is it possible to energize the kickover armapparatus 20 as will become more evident subsequently.

Two other photoelectric cells 168a and 176a and their associated lightsources 174 and are provided to sense extrusions as they are moved bythe automatic extrusion handling equipment.

The photoelectric cell 168a is oriented vertically at the stretcher sideof the cooling rack 14 and is operable to sense the presence of anextrusion being moved by the walking beam apparatus 16 to the stretcherside of the cooling rack. The photoelectric cell 168a on sensing of anextrusion at the stretcher side of the cooling rack 14 operates a set ofcontacts in the control circuit 23 to stop the operation of the walkingbeam apparatus 16 as will become evident in the subsequent considerationof the control circuit 23.

Photoelectric cell 176a is oriented horizontally transversely of the sawconveyor 24. The photoelectric cell 176a is operable to sense the end ofan extrusion as it is passed into position to be cut into desiredlengths by the saw 26.

Limit switches 180, 182, 184, 186 and 178 are also pro vided inconjunction with the automatic extrusion handling equipment to sense theposition of the runout conveyor 38, the two limiting positions of thekickover arms 7 8, the retracted position of the saw 26, and thepresence of extrusions abutting stop 156 respectively. The operation ofthese limit switches will be more fully considered in the explanation ofthe control circuit 23.

The over-all opera-tion of the automatic extrusion handling equipmentwill be considered in conjunction with the control circuit 23 shown inFIGURE 7. In considering the control circuit 23 operation in the manualmode will first be described. Mode of operation switches 187, 188, 190,192, 194a and 194b will therefore be assumed to be in the off or centralposition thereof as illustrated in FIGURE 7 in contrast to the manual upor automatic down position thereof.

The main power on-oif switch 11% will be assumed to be in the closedposition which is the lower position thereof, as shown in FIGURE 7. Theone hundred ten volt single phase sixty cycle secondary coil 19% oftransformer 2th) is energized from the four hundred forty volt primarycoil 292 of the transformer 2% to provide an electric potential betweenconductors 291 and Coil 202 is energized through circuit breaker 2134from the external three phase power leads 2%.

The switch 187 is then moved to the up or manual position as shown inFIGURE 7. With the switch 137 in the up position and the kickover arms78 in the position shown in FIGURE 1, wherein they are out of the way ofthe runout conveyor 33 and close contacts 184a of limit switch 134 toenergize relay coil 2% to close contacts 288a, the relay coil 210 ofmagnetic starter 211 for runout conveyor motor 42 is energized throughcontacts 2(9811. The runout conveyor 38 is caused to advance by theenergized motor 42 in a direction to move extrusions extruded from theextrusion press 12 away from the press 12.

It will be understood that the runout conveyor 38 is operated at a speedin excess of the extrusion speed of the press 12 whereby a positivetensile force is applied to extrusions during the extruding thereof bypress 12 through frictional contact of the extrusions with the carbonblocks 50 on the runout conveyor 33. Further the mechanically appliedtensile force is uniform and causes less movement of the extrusionsrelative to the runout conveyor than the rior hand runout operation on acarbon lined runout table so that more uniform extrusions and less scrapare produced using the mechanically applied uniform tensile force.

Also, it should be particularly noted that the runout conveyor 33 willnot operate unless the kiclrover arms '78 are in a position to clear therunout conveyor 38 and close the contacts 184a of limit switch 184 dueto the provision of the relay coil 283 and contacts Edda in the controlcircuit 23. Thus damage to the lrickover arms 78 or runout conveyor 38due to simultaneous operation thereof is prevented.

After an extrusion has been run out on runout conveyor 33 the switch.187 is reutrned to the position shown in FIGURE 7 whereby the magneticstarter 211 is deenergized and conveyor 38 is stopped. Push buttonswitch 212 is then manually closed to energize the relay coil 214 of themagnetic starter 235 for starting the motor 33 of the kickover armapparatus Ztl to swing the kiclrover arms 78 in an arcuate path over theconveyor 33. The extrusion is thus wiped from the runout con ever 38onto the cooling rack by contact with carbon blocks 54 of the kickoverarms 75.

Magnetic starter 215 is energized through ontacts 216:! of magneticstarter relay coil Zltl, contacts ieb of photo electric cell relay 164,contacts 216a of magnetic starter relay coil 216 and contacts 218a ofrelay 218. Contacts Zlt'ia insure that the lilCkOVQI arms 73 will not bemoved over runout conveyor 33 while the conveyor motor 42 is energizedsince the contacts Ziilrz are open any time the magnetic starter 211 isenergized. Contacts 164!) prevent moving the kiclcover arms '78 over therunout conveyor 38 at any time the runout conveyor has been stopped in aposition as sensed by the photoelectric cell 164a wherein the kickoverarms 78 would engage a por tion of the runout conveyor 38 during suchmovement thereof. Contacts 164/) are closed when relay 1 4 is energizeddue to light from light source 166 falling on photoelectric cell 164a.

Contacts 216a are provided to prevent operation of both the magneticstarters 2.15 and 217 simultaneously. Contacts 21 6a will be closed onlywhen magnetic starter relay coil 216 is not energized.

Contacts 2180 will be closed when time delay relay 21S is not energized.Relay will be energized only after the lriclrover arms 73 have reachedtheir limit of movement over conveyor 33 and have closed the contacts182a of limit switch 182. The relay 2l8 is provided to preventoscillation of the kiCiiOVCI arms 78 which would otherwise occur duringautomatic operation as will become more evident subsequently.

loanually operated push button switch 212 is held in the closed positonuntil the circuit through the magnetic starter relay coil Zli is brokendue to closing of the conta ts 182:1 to energize the relay 213 and openthe con tacts 213a. During this period the kiclrover arms 78 will swingarcuately out over the runout conveyor 38 until they are atapproximately one hundred fifteen degrees to the position shown inFlGURE 1 due to operation of motor 42 whereby any extrusion on runoutconveyor 38 will be contacted by the carbon blocks 84 and transferred tothe cooling rack 14 thereby.

The kickover arm manual push button switch 220 is then closed wherebythe magnetic starter relay coil 216 is energized through contacts Zltlaand 16410 previously considered and contacts 234a and 184-1). Aspreviously indicated contacts 214a will be closed any time the magneticstarter relay coil 214 is deenergized. The contacts 184!) of limitswitch 18d will be closed any time the kickover arms 78 are in anyposition except the position shown in FIGURE 1.

Thus it will be evi ent that the magnetic starter 217 energized bymagnetic starter relay coil 216 will remain energized while the manualpush button switch 220 is depressed to energize motor 88 in a directionto cause reverse arcuate swinging of the kickover arms '78 until thekickover arms 73 reach the position shown in PEG. URE 1. When thekickover arms 78 reach the position shown in PEG. 1 the contacts 18412of the limit switch 134 are opened, breaking the circuit throughmagnetic starter relay coil 216.

Extrusions deposited on the cooling rack 1 may be moved from the runoutconveyor side of the cooling rack to the stretcher side of the coolingrack by means of the walking beam apparatus i6 on movin mode ofoperation switch 191? to the up or manual position to energize magneticstarter relay coil and therefore magnetic starter 223 to cause operationof the walking eam apparatus drive motor 126. Switch 198 is returned tothe position shown in FEGURE 7 on approach of an extrusion to thestretcher side of the walking beam apparatus 16 to stop the operation ofthe motor 126.

One of the three manual push button switches 223a, and is closed aftermoving switch 192 into the manual or up position to energize themagnetic starter relay coil 23% and magnetic starter to cause operationof transverse conveyor drive motor 138 when it is desired to moveextrusions from the stretcher end of the transverse conveyor to the sawconveyor end thereof. The closed switch 2328a, 22%!) or 230 is releasedto stop the operation of the transverse conveyor 22. Switch 228a islocated on the control panel 234 while switch 22% is located adjacentthe front clamping head 112 of the stretcher l3, and the switch 2280 islocated at the saw end of saw conveyor 24. The position of the threedifferently located switches 228a, 2281) and 228C is of course forconvenience only.

Advance of extrusions deposited on the saw conveyor 24 from thetransverse conveyor 22 in manual operation is accomplished by movingswitch 194a into the manual or up position and then closing the manuallyoperated push button switch 23s to complete an electric circuit throughthe magnetic starter relay coil 23% to energize magnetic starter 239 andstart the drive motor 24% of the portion 252 of the saw conveyor 24.Release of the push button 236 of course deenergizes the magneticstarter 239 and therefore the motor 2%.

At this point it should be pointed out that in both manual and automaticmodes of operation of the automatic extrusion handling equipment thatmeans are provided to facilitate the movement of extrusions from thetransverse conveyor to the saw conveyor over the rough rubberoid surfaceof conveyor portion 152. The rough surface is necessary on conveyorportion 152 in order to pull the extrusions down the length of theconveyor when desired, but makes it almost impossible to drag extrusionsover it with any sort of uniformity.

Thus photoelectric relay 176 is energized through photoelectric cell176a when the end of the prior group of extrusions passes thephotoelectric cell to closerelay contacts 17611 to energize relay coil243 and close relay contacts 243a whereby the solenoid 241 is energizedwhen motor 138 is energized. Solenoid 241 is effective to raise the bar154 to receive the tail end of a group of extrusions from the transverseconveyor as they are transferred to the saw conveyor 24 and maintainthem above the conveyor portion 152.

Solenoid 241 is therefore provided to facilitate the sporatictransferring of extrusions from the transfer conveyor to the sawconveyor. Relay coil 243 is provided to prevent the lift bar 154 frombeing driven into the bottom of extrusions previously deposited on thesaw conveyor 24 and damaging the extrusions or saw.

On opening of switch 192, or switches 228a, 22% and 2280 the extrusionswill be lowered onto conveyor portion 152 and moved thereby in the pathof the light beam between the photoelectric cell 176a and light source170 and into engagement with adjustable stop 156. After the extrusionshave been driven by saw conveyor 24 into engagement with the adjustablestop 156 they are in position for cutting by the saw 26.

Saw 26 may then be operated in the usual manner by closing and releasingthe control switch 158 whereby the saw 26 is caused to advancetransversely of the saw conveyor and cut extrusions on the saw conveyor24 in the path thereof and to then return to a position out of the wayof the saw conveyor 24. Limit switch 186 is open with the saw 26 in theout of the way position shown in FIGURE 6. The saw control circuit andmotor 242 are well known and there-fore have not been illustrated andwill not be considered in detail. It will be understood however, thatthe saw performs a complete cutting cycle as a result of a singlemomentary actuation of the push button switch 158.

Briefly, the saw control circuit includes a four-way operating valve foran air actuated cylinder which cylinder includes a piston directlyconnected to the saw to produce movement of the saw in accordance withmovement of the piston and an air operating switch for the four-wayoperating valve of the cylinder. A pair of air bleeder valves actuatedby hand operable switch 158 and limit switch 159 connected to theadvance and return sides of the air operating switch are furtherincluded in the saw control circuit.

In manual operation when the switch 158 is closed the advance air'bleeder valve is opened to upset the equilibrium of the air operatingswitch whereby the four-way operating valve meters air to the sawactuating cylinder and the cylinder piston and saw are moved forward tocause cutting of the extnusions. Even though switch 158 is releasedafter an initial unbalance the air operating switch will meter air tothe saw actuating cylinder until the limit switch 159 is actuated by thesaw 26. in its fully out position. On actuation of the limit switch 159the return bleeder valve is opened to create an unbalance in the airoperating switch to cause return of the saw 26 to its fully out of theway position wherein switch 186 is actuated. The unbalance of the airoperating switch may then be again accomplished by closing switch 158 torepeat the cutting cycle of the saw.

A closed circuit hydraulic cylinder, piston and restricted flow linebetween the ends of the hydraulic cylinder are also provided as part ofthe saw control circuit. The piston of the hydraulic cylinder is alsoconnected directly to the saw 26 and serves to provide uniform actuationof the saw 26 by the pneumatic cylinder and controls.

In the automatic mode of operation of the extrusion handling equipmentwith the switches 187, 188, 190 and 192 in the automatic or downposition the main switch 196 is closed. The magnetic starter relay coil210 is thus energized through the relay contacts 208a as before when thekickover arms are in the position shown in FIGURE 1, through the switch187 and the contacts 248a of relay 248 and contacts 160c ofphotoelectric relay 160.

The runout conveyor 38 will continue to run until the tail end of anextrusion from the extrusion press 12 is sensed by the photoelectriccells 160a and 16012 of photoelectric relay 160 at which time relaycontacts 1600 will be opened. Magnetic starter relay coil 210 will thenbe deenergized upon opening of the relay contacts 248a due to energizingof the relay 248 which on receiving a pulse of electric energytherethrough will remain energized for approximately three seconds.

As shown in the control circuit 23 the relay 248 will be energized whenrelay contacts 250a, 25% and limit switch contacts 180a aresimultaneously closed. Limit switch contacts 1800 are closed by contactof the limit switch 180 with projections on the runout conveyor 38 whenthe conveyor 38 is in a safety zone or position wherein the kickoverarms 78 may be swung arcuately over the conveyor 38' to push anextrusion therefrom without contacting conveyor 38.

Relay contacts 250a will be closed immediately upon energization of thetime delay relay 250 while the relay contacts 25% will be openedapproximately 1.2 seconds after the time delay relay 250 is energized.Thus for a period of 1.2 seconds after the end of an extrusion is sensedthe runout conveyor is prepared for stopping on engaging of the limitswitch 180 'by the runout conveyor 38. This period is sufficient toinsure engagement of limit switch 180 at any runout conveyor speed.

Relay 250 is energized on closing of relay contacts 252a. Relay contacts252a are closed .8 of a second to 1.2 seconds after the relay 252 hasbeen energized. Energizing relay 252 only after .8 to 1.2 seconds inaccordance with the speed of runout conveyor 38 prevents undesiredenergizing of relay 248 due to double tripping of photocells a and 16012by possible false signals created by spurious action of extrusions intwisting or jumping momentarily out of light beam. Relay 252 isenergized through contacts 254a on the energization of relay 254. Relay254 is energized by closing of contacts 160d.

Thus it will be seen that after the photoelectric relay 160 is energizedto open the contacts 160a and close the cntacts 160d, that the contacts248a will be opened to stop the movement of the runout conveyor 38 afterenergizing relays 252 and 258 in order and subsequently actuating limitswitch to close contacts 180a, so that the conveyor 38 is stopped in apredetermined relation to the kickover arms 78 wherein interference ofthe conveyor 38 with the kickover arms 7 8 on outward swinging thereofis prevented.

With the conveyor 38 stopped in the predetermined relation to theconveyor kickover arms 78 the relay contacts 210a which are open whenthe magnetic starter relay coil 210 is energized are closed whereby themagnetic starter relay coil 214 is energized through the photoelectricrelay contacts 164b, magnetic starter relay contacts 216a and relaycontacts 218a as indicated in the consideration of the manual mode ofoperation of the extrusion handling equipment and through relay contacts25417 and 248b.

Contacts 25% are closed any time the photoelectric cells 168a and 16015sense the end of an extrusion from extrusion press 12 so that relay 160is energized as previously indicated. Relay contacts 2481) are closedany time the relay 248 is energized, which as previously conit itsidered will be for approximately three seconds when the photoelectriccells 16% and 16% sense the end of an extrusion from the press 12 andenergize the photoelectric cell relay 160, and the relay contacts 18%are closed to stop the conveyor in a safe zone.

Kickover arms 78 will then swing through their arcuate path to transferthe extrusion from the runout conveyor 38 to the cooling rack 14. On thekickover arms reach ing their limiting position over the runout conveyor38 the limit switch 182 is engaged by a kickover arm 73 and contacts182a thereof are closed, energizing relay 218 so that relay contacts218a are caused to open whereby magnetic starter relay 214 and magneticstarter 215 are deenergized and the outward swinging of the kickoverarms 78 is stopped.

Contacts 214a of magnetic starter relay 214 are permitted to close andfor from three and one-half to four seconds after closing of contacts1132a of limit switch 182 due to relay 218 which maintains relay 218energized after opening of limit switch 132, the magnetic starter relaycoil 216 is energized through limit switch contacts 13417 which areclosed when the kickover arms are in any position except the positionshown in FIGURE 1. The kickover arms will therefore move back to theposition shown in FIGURE 1 at which time the kickovcr arms will engagelimit switch 184 breaking the circuit through magnetic starter relaycoil 216 upon opening contacts 184]) to deenergize magnetic starter 217and motor 88.

Thus, it will be seen that for operation of the kickover arm apparatus20, three distinct conditions must exist. First, the runout conveyor 33must not be operating; second, the runout conveyor 38 must be stopped ina safe zone as determined by the photoelectric cell 164a; and third, thephotoelectric cells 160a and 160!) must sense the end on": an extrusion.In addition, the magnetic starter contacts 214a and 216a are provided asa safety feature to prevent attempting to operate the kickover armapparatus motor 88 in opposite directions at the same time. A mechanicalinterlocking of the relay contacts is also provided tor the samepurpose.

In addition, it is undesirable to attempt to transfer extrusions fromthe runout conveyor '38 to the cooling rack 14 while the walking beamapparatus 16 is in operation. Thus, relay contacts 208!) are provided inthe energizing circuit of the magnetic starter 224 for the walking beamapparatus 16 in the automatic mode of operation. The contacts 288!) areopen at any time the kiokover arms 78 are not in theposition thereofshown in FIGURE 1. in addition, contacts 1&861 of the photoelectricrelay 1 58 are connected in series with the contacts Zttib to preventoperation of the walking beam apparatus 16 in the automatic mode when anextrusion on cooling rack approaches the stretcher side of the coolingrack.

The make before break switch 255 operable on movement of the walkingbeam apparatus 16 is therefore connected in control circuit 23 so as tobe in series with relay contacts and 168a as shown in FIGURE 7 when thewalking beam apparatus 16 is in the lower position thereof. Thus, if thekickover arms are not in the position shown in FIGURE 1, or if thephotoelectric relay 168 is energized, the energizing circuit through themagnetic starter relay coil 224 will be broken with the walking beamapparatus 16 in the down position. Therefore, in the automatic mode ofoperation of the extrusion handling equipment the walking beam apparatus16 will be caused to operate unless an extrusion is present at thestretcher 18 or the kickover arms are in position over runout conveyor38.

In the automatic mode of operation the transverse conveyor 22 isoperated in the same manner as in the manual mode of operation. That is,the transverse conveyor 22 is caused to move extrusions from thstretcher end thereof to the saw conveyor end thereof on pressing ofpush button @280, 22812 or 2280.

The operation of the saw conveyor in the automatic mode is actuallystarted with the switches 194a and 19411 in the manual position. Withthe switches 194a and 19415 in the manual position, the solenoid 258operable on energization to close switch 158 to start an automatic sawhead cutting cycle is completely out of the circuit, and the magneticstarter relay coil 238, which controls the saw conveyor, will beenergized only when the manual push switch 236 is depressed. As soon asthe spring loaded switch 236 is released, the circuit through magneticstarter relay coil 233 will be broken and the saw conveyor stopped. Withthis condition existing switch 236 is depressed to energize magneticstarter 239, and advance extrusions on the saw conveyor 24 toward theend 157 thereof until the reject material at the .tail end of theextrusions has just barely passed the saw blade. At this instant, switch236 is released, immediately *deenergizing magnetic starter 239 andstopping the saw conveyor 24.

With switches 194a and 14b still in the manual position, the switch 153is depressed only momentarily, and as soon as it is released, the sawhead will be in process of its automatic cutting cycle. As soon asswitch 158 is released, the switches 194a 'and194b are turned to theautomatic position. There is no material abutting the stop 156 at thistime however and the contacts 178!) are open whereby solenoid 258 isdeenergized. The saw 26 is now in a position over conveyor 2-4 wherebyswitch 186 is open holding magnetic starter 232 deenergized. The saw 26will continue with its cutting cycle until it is again tully retracted.While the saw 26 is in the return phase of its cycle, the tail end scrapwhich has just been cut off the extrusions is removed from the sawconveyor and discarded.

As soon as the saw 26 reaches the fully retracted position, it closesswitch 186. At this time, there is still no extrusion depressing switch178 at the stop 1156; theretfore contacts 173a are in the closedpositionholding the relay coil 256 energized. Consequently the contacts256a are in the closed position. At the same time, the light beam forphotoelectric cell 176 is held broken so that no light contactsphotoelectric cell 1760; therefore, photoelectric cell relay contact17621 remains open holding coil 243 deenergized, which results in relaycontact 243%; remaining in the normally closed position. Theseconditions existing, the coil 238 of magnetic starter 239 is enert gizedthrough contact 2431; and 256:: and switches 185 and 194a, and the sawconveyor will run to advance the extrusions 24 until such time as theend of the extrusions engage the hinge leaf switch 178 mounted at thestop 156.

Switch 178 being fully depressed will close contacts 1755b and opencontacts 1780. When contacts 178a open, the relay coil 256 isdeenergized; however, this timing relay is set for approximately atwo-second delay after deenergization; therefore, the contacts 256a willremain closed for this interval. The reason for this being that in casethe momentum of the extrusion hitting the stop causes them to bounceback by even one-eighth inch that a continued two-second operation ofthe saw conveyor will again carry the extrusions tforward into fullcontact with the switch 178 and stop e156, but this time with lessmomentum because the short travel involved will not allow the conveyorto reach as high a speed. At the end of the two-second interval, relaycoil 256 will be cleenergized which immediately opens contacts 256adeenergizing magnetic starter 239 and instantly stopping the sawconveyor which may not now be started again in the automatic cycle untilcontacts 178a are again closed.

While the saw conveyor 24 was running and the timing relay ass wasenergized, the relay coil 262 was energized through contact 2560, switch186, and switch 194a. This coil bein energized resulted in the contacts262a being closed, therefore, enengizingthe relay coil 26% and closingcontacts 256a. At this time, the solenoid 25% cannot be ener ized untilthe extrusions have been advanced to depress switch 178 and closecontacts 17%. Also the auxiliary contacts 238a remain open so long asmagnetic starter 239 is engergized, causing the saw conveyor 24 tooperate.

When the extrusions have been advanced as described above so as toresult in contacts 250a opening and deenergizing magnetic starter 239,auxiliary contacts 238a instantly close. Secondly, the coil 262 isinstantly deenergizing which opens contacts 262a deenergizing timingrelay coil 260. Timing relay coil 260 is set for approximately aone-second delay after deenergizing. Therefore, contacts 260a willremain closed for this interval, and for this one-second interval, theproper conditions will exist to energize the solenoid 258 thnouighcontacts 238a, 1781) and 260:: and switch 194b. The one-secondenergization of solenoid 258 will set into operation the pneumatic cycleof the saw 26 previously described in the manual mode of operation. Whenthis pneumatic cycle has been completed and the saw 26 again reaches its.fully retracted position, the switch 186 will again be closed and thesaw 26 will not cycle again because solenoid 258 has been deenergized bycontacts 260a opening.

The saw conveyor 24 will not run at this time because magnetic starter239 remains deenergized by contacts 256a remaining open. This staticcondition will continue to exist until such time as the sections cutfrom the extrusions are removed from the end 157 of the saw conveyor 24.Only when the last extrusion section has been completely cleared of thesaw conveyor will the hinge leaf switch 178 be released. This is insuredby the fact [that switch 178 is hinged at the back side of the stop 156so that any one piece of the extrusions left on the saw conveyor willcontinue to hold the switch in the depressed condition.

As soon as the last piece of material has been removed from the end 157of the saw conveyor 24, the hinge leaf switch 178 will be releasedinstantly opening contacts 178]) to prevent the saw 26 from operatingand simultaneously closing contacts 178a, energizing relay coil 256,closing contact 256a, starting magnetic starter 239 to thereby cause theconveyor 24 to again advance the extrusions. This cyclic operation willcontinue 'until the lead end of the extrusion is reached.

Relay coil 262 has approximately a one-second delay after energizing inthe operation just described. This insures that magnetic starter 239will be energized before contacts 260a are closed which insures that thesaw conveyor 24 will operate to advance material before solenoid 258 isenergized to cycle the saw 26. Once magnetic starter 239 has beenenergized to start the conveyor, auxiliary contacts 238:: will instantlyopen and remain open for so long as the conveyor operates.

When the lead end of the extrusion passes the photoelectric cell 176aand light source 170, the light beam will no longer be interrupted, andthe light source will energize the photoelectric cell energizingphotoelectric cell relay 176, closing contacts 176b, energizing relaycoil 243, opening contacts 243b, deenengizing magnetic starter 239 andtherefore, stopping the saw conveyor 24. Although magnetic starter 239has been deenergized closing auxiliary contacts 238a, solenoid 258 willstill not be enengized to cycle the saw 26 unless the last piece ofextrusion is long enough to have depressed and held depressed switch178, causing contacts 178b to close, therefore, completing the operationin a normal automatic manner.

If the last piece of extrusion is too short to depress switch 178, thenthe saw conveyor merely stops Without the saw head operating sincecontacts 178b would remain open. This static condition will continue toexist until the saw operator returns switches 194a and 194b to the handposition and uses the manual controls to operate the saw conveyor 24 andsaw 26, in order to obtain the most economic alternate cut length whichwould be shorter than the pre-set standard cut length. Packers thenremove this alternate cut length from the end 157 of the saw 26 and thelead end scrap from the other side of :the saw to complete the automaticcycle of operation of the extrusion handling apparatus.

The drawings and the foregoing specification constitute a description ofthe improved automatic extrusion handling equipment in such full, clear,concise and exact tearms as to enable any person skilled in the art topractice the invention, the scope of which is indicated by the appendedclaims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. Automatic extrusion handling equipment comprising a runout conveyoronto which extrusions are extruded, a cooling rack positioned adjacentthe runout conveyor for receiving extrusions therefrom, mechanical meansoperab'ly associated with the runout conveyor and cooling rack forautomatically transferring extrusions from the runout conveyor to thecooling rack, Walking beam apparatus operably associated with thecooling rack for transferring the extrusions from one side of thecooling rack to the other, an extrusion stretcher, one side of which ispositioned adjacent said other side of the cooling rack, a transverseconveyor, one end of which is located adjacent the other side of theextrusion stretcher for moving stretched extrusions away from theextrusion stretcher, a saw conveyor positioned at the other end of thetransverse conveyor operable to receive extrusions from the transverseconveyor and to move the extrusions longitudinally into position forcutting, and a saw operably associated with said saw conveyor forcutting the extrusions into predetermined lengths.

2. Automatic extrusion handling equipment comprising a runout conveyoronto which extrusions are extruded, a cooling rack positioned adjacentthe runout conveyor for receiving extrusions therefrom mechanical meansoperably associated with the runout conveyor and cooling rack forautomatically transferring extrusions from the runout conveyor to thecooling rack, walking beam apparatus operably associated with thecooling rack for transferring the extrusions from one side of thecooling rack to the other, an extrusion stretcher, one side of which ispositioned adjacent said other side of the cooling rack, a transverseconveyor, one end of which is located adjacent the other side of theextrusion stretcher for moving stretched extrusions away from theextrusion stretcher, a saw conveyor positioned at the other end of thetransverse conveyor operable to receive extrusions from the transverseconveyor and to move the extrusions longitudinally into position forcutting, a saw operably associated with said saw con-veyor for cuttingthe extrusions into predetermined lengths, and an electric circuitoperably associated with the extrusions handling equipment structure forcontrolling the operation thereof.

3. Automatic extrusion handling equipment comprising a runout conveyoronto which extrusions are extruded, a cooling rack positioned adjacentthe wnout conveyor for receiving extrusions therefrom, mechanical meansoperably associated with the runout conveyor and cooling racks forautomatically transferring extrusions from the runout conveyor to thecooling rack, walking beam apparatus operably associated with thecooling rack for transferring the extrusions from one side of thecooling rack to the other, an extrusion stretcher, one side of which ispositioned adjacent said other side of the cooling rack, a transverseconveyor, one end of which is located adjacent the other side of theextrusion stretcher for moving stretched extrusions away from theextrusion stretcher, a saw conveyor positioned at the other end of thetransverse conveyor operable to receive extrusions from the transverseconveyor and to move the extrusions longitudinally into position forcutting a saw operably associated with said saw conveyor for cutting theextrusions into predetermined lengths, and an electric control circuitoperable in either manual or automatic modes associated with said runoutconveyor, mechanical means, walking beam apparatus, transverse conveyor,saw conveyor and saw for sensing the position of the extrusions on therunout conveyor, mechanical means, walking beam apparatus and saw andcontrolling the operation of the conveyors, me-

chanical means, walking beam apparatus and saw in accordance therewith.

4. Structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein the transverse conveyorcomprises a pair of parallel spaced apart shafts having belt sprocketsaligned transversely thereof spaced intermittently therealong, endlessbelts extending between the aligned belt sprockets and means forrotating one of said shafts.

5. Structure as set forth in claim 3- wherein the saw conveyor comprisesa pair of elongated parallel support frames, a plurality of rollersextending transversely between the'elongated support frames and meansrotatably mounting the ends of the rollers on the support frames, beltsprockets extending substantially parallel to the rollers in spacedrelation to each other axially of the saw conveyor located centrally ofthe saw conveyor, an endless belt of high friction material positionedon the belt sprockets and means for rotating one of the sprockets.

6. Structure as set forth in claim?) wherein the control circuitincludes means for sensing the end of extrusions extruded onto therunout conveyor.

7; Structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein the control circuitincludes means for controlling the position at which the runout conveyorstops relative to the mechanical transfer means.

8. Structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein the control circuitincludesmeans for sensing the relative position between the runoutconveyor and mechanical transfer means.

9. Structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein the control circuitincludes means for stopping the walking beam in a lowered position atany time the transfer means is in position over the runout conveyor andwhen an extrusion is present at the side of the cooling rack remote fromthe runout conveyor.

10. Structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein the control circuitincludes means for sensing the end of a first group of extrusions on thesaw conveyor and structure for preventing movement of a second group ofextrusions into contact with the sensed ends of the first group ofextrusions.

11. Structure as set forth in'claim 3 wherein the control circuitincludes means for preventing operation of the saw when extrusions arenot in position against the end of the saw conveyor.

12. Automatic extrusion handling equipment comprising a runout conveyoronto which extrusions are extruded, a cooling rack positioned adjacentthe runout conveyor for receiving extrusions therefrom, mechanical meansoperably associated with the runout conveyor and cooling rack forautomatically transferring extrusions from the runout conveyor to thecooling rack, walking beam apparatus operably associated with thecooling rack for transferring the extrusions from one side of thecooling rack to the other, an extrusion stretcher, one side of which ispositioned adjacent said other side of the" cooling rack, a transverseconveyor, one end of which is located adjacent the other side of theextrusion stretcher for moving stretched extrusions away from theextrusion stretcher and a saw conveyor positioned at the other end ofthe transverse conveyor operable to receive extrusions from thetransverse conveyor and to move the extrusions longitudinally intoposition for cutting.

13. Automatic extrusion handling equipment comprising a runout conveyoronto which extrusions are extruded, a cooling rack positioned adjacentthe runout conveyor for receiving extrusions therefrom, mechanical meansoperably associated withthe runout conveyor and cooling rack forautomatically transferring extrusions from the runout conveyor to thecooling rack, walking beam apparatus operably associated with thecooling rack for transferring the extrusions from one side of thecooling rack to the other, an extrusion stretcher, one side of which ispositioned adjacent said other side of the cooling rack and a transverseconveyor, one end of which is located adjacent the other side of theextrusion stretcher for moving stretched extrusions away from theextrusion stretcher.

14. Automatic extrusion handling equipment comprising a runout conveyoronto which extrusions are extruded, a cooling rack positioned adjacentthe runout conveyor for receiving extrusions therefrom, mechanical meansoperably associated with the runout conveyor and cooling rack forautomatically transferring extrusions from the runout conveyor to thecooling rack, walking beam apparatus operably associated with thecooling rack for transferring the extrusions from one side of thecooling rack to the other and an extrusion stretcher, one side of whichis positioned adjacent said other side of the cooling rack forstretching extrusions received thereby from the cooling rack.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,176,365 10/1939Skinner 2071 2,379,622 7/ 1945 Butler 72-257 2,830,700 4/1958 Kamena72-257 2,914,170 11/1959 Kent 72-2.57 3,018,885 1/1962 Trautman 722563,032,187 5/1962 Hutch 2071 3,157,268 11/1964 Anderson 72257 CHARLES W.LANHAM, Primary Examiner.

W. H. JUST, Assistant Examiner.

1. AUTOMATIC EXTRUSION HANDLING EQUIPMENT COMPRISING A RUNOUT CONVEYORONTO WHICH EXTRUSIONS ARE EXTRUDED, A COOLING RACK POSITIONED ADJACENTTHE RUNOUT CONVEYOR FOR RECEIVING EXTRUSIONS THEREFROM, MECHANICAL MEANSOPERABLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE RUNOUT CONVEYOR AND COOLING RACK FORAUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRING EXTRUSIONS FROM THE RUNOUT CONVEYOR TO THECOOLING RACK, WALKING BEAM APPARATUS OPERABLY ASSOCIATED WITH THECOOLING RACK FOR TRANSFERRING THE EXTRUSIONS FROM ONE SIDE OF THECOOLING RACK TO THE OTHER, AN EXTRUSION STRETCHER, ONE SIDE OF WHICH ISPOSITIONED ADJACENT SAID OTHER SIDE OF THE COOLING RACK, A TRANSVERSECONVEYOR, ONE END OF WHICH IS LOCATED ADJACENT THE OTHER SIDE OF THEEXTRUSION STRETCHER FOR MOVING STRETCHED EXTRUSIONS AWAY FROM THEEXTRUSION STRETECHER, A SAW CONVEYOR POSITIONED AT THE OTHER END OF THETRANSVERSE CONVEYOR OPERABLE TO RECEIVE EXTRUSIONS FROM THE TRANSVERSECONVEYOR AND TO MOVE THE EXTRUSIONS LONGITUDINALLY INTO POSITION FORCUTTING, AND A SAW OPERABLY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID SAW CONVEYOR FORCUTTING THE EXTRUSIONS INTO PREDETERMINED LENGTHS.